Hundreds of dignitaries including Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth , Dr Emeka Anyaoku, former Lagos State Governor Segun Osoba and several others on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to late President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, a business mogul Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
His burial ceremony commences on Wednesday with a service of songs/night of tributes at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Chief Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba 1 of Igboland), an impactful leader died at 82 on July 25, 2024 during an illness.
Speaking at the ceremony Lagos State governor Sanwo-Olu describing him as a quintessential gentleman, who had much influence.
He said that Iwuanyanwu was a man of great vision, passion and much energy.
“His life was a testament of what it means to be a real leader.
“He was a patriot and a dedicated servant to the growth and progress of not only the Igbo land, but of Nigeria in general.
“In every role he undertook, he embodied excellence and left a lasting legacy,“ the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also described Iwuanyanwu as an enviable business conglomerate, whose “contributions in the media space gave birth to what we know today as the Champion Newspaper.”
“ He amplified the voice of the less privileged and gave hope to the hopeless, strengthening the voice of free press in our country.
The governor also said that Iwuanyanwu commitment to youth development was “equally inspiring.”
In politics, Chief Emmanuel was a respected elder statesman and a champion of unity. His voice resonated particularly in advocating not only for Igbo but for Nigeria at home and promoting across our nation.
“His message was a message of a diverse ethnic group and appreciating that we could be different, but we’re all the same.
”His philanthropic efforts are a reflection of his generous spirit. Through his foundation, countless scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and his support for his community touched lives beyond his state of Imo, state and here in Lagos, we felt it and beyond his commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for the less fortunate and less privileged will forever stand as part of his enduring legacy.”
He added that the late Imo business tycoon is worth celebrating courtesy of his tremendous contributions not only in the South East but in the entire nation, stressing that he was indeed a giant of his time as the nation would mourn his passing.
In his tribute, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku, described Iwuanyanwu as a true Nigerian and professional.
“He was a devoted leader of his people in the world and, at the same time, an exceptional Nigerian patriot.
He recalled that just ” last May, he joined former President Obasanjo and I in writing letters to the five governors of the South-East Zone, inviting them to a meeting with us to discuss collaboration in the development of the zone.
Anyaoku said “unfortunately, Chief Iwuanyanwu was not able to attend the meeting which former President Obasanjo and I had with the five governors.” He explained that “Iwuanyanwu was not able to attend the meeting at the last minute because of illness.”
In her tribute, Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Iwuanyanwu’s first daughter, said her father is her strength, a superhero and encourager.
Iheakanwa said: “He was a very duty-bound father; he loved all of us too much” and he was so particularly proud of us and taught us the ropes and things to do.
Among prominent Nigerians who graced the occasion were, former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, Senator Ben Obi, former Chief of General Staff Ubitu Ukiwe, Prof. Anya O Anya, Publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka Pemu, and one time Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Allison Madueke.